Strategic Mistake Leading to Trudeau’s Downfall
Why did Canada engage with Khalistani terrorist activities over the last decade, when its previous experience in this regard led to the Air India bombing in 1985? That tragic event, in which 327 passengers and crew died when a flight from Toronto was blown up, also claimed the lives of two baggage handlers in Tokyo when a similar bomb detonated.
Despite this, Canada mounted a flimsy prosecution against the bomb maker while erasing crucial evidence to protect politically connected individuals tied to the crime. This marked a shameful episode of political interference, initiated by none other than the current Prime Minister’s father, Pierre Trudeau. His government’s actions effectively invited terror masters into Canada on the pretext of supporting the divisive and unrealistic demand for the partition of India—much like the separatist movement in Canada, led by the Parti Québécois, which has been seeking Quebec’s independence for over 50 years.
Given this dismal track record of managing law and order, it would have been wise for the current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, to avoid similar missteps. Yet, he has allied with Khalistani sympathizers within his coalition government and appears determined to harm India’s interests. This may be a calculated move to secure 300,000 Khalistani votes, or perhaps an extension of the anti-India stance held by his father.
Today, Canada faces a diplomatic crisis with India. Diplomats have been expelled on dubious grounds, and India has retaliated in kind. The fallout is impacting Canada’s economy, with significant losses expected as Indian students—a key contributor to the Canadian education sector—reconsider their plans to study and stay in the country. Furthermore, India is likely to cancel a military deal to purchase American-designed, Canadian-built Stryker armored vehicles, while Canadian provinces grow increasingly dissatisfied as their business interests and jobs are threatened.
Why is Trudeau acting so recklessly? It could be anyone’s guess, but his actions seem to echo his father’s anti-India sentiments from decades ago. In this diplomatic standoff, other nations, notably the U.S., have seized the opportunity to pressure India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. The U.S. has even lodged a flimsy case against two Indians for allegedly attempting to assassinate a Khalistani terrorist in the U.S., a former Indian citizen and a declared fugitive.
Like it or not, India is now a $4 trillion economy, with 600,000 Indian IT professionals working in the U.S., Canada, and other Western nations. Alienating India could have far-reaching consequences, especially if these workers begin to view U.S. and Canadian actions as hostile.
The wiser course of action would be to stop providing safe havens for terrorists to thrive. The good situation is that both the Trudeau and Biden are on their way out; the newcomers may take a different view.